Yakushima, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Yakushima, Japan? If you're planning to go to Yakushima, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Yakushima
- Important essentials for Yakushima
- Activities for Yakushima
- Yakushima in January: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in February: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in March: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in April: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in May: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in June: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in July: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in August: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in September: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in October: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in November: weather and what to pack
- Yakushima in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Yakushima, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Yakushima, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Yakushima, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Yakushima, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Yakushima. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Yakushima, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
February
In February, Yakushima is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Yakushima, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
March
In March, Yakushima can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Yakushima, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
April
If you visit Yakushima during April, you will probably notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
May
In May, Yakushima is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Yakushima, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
June
June here is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
July
If you visit Yakushima during July, you may find that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
August
August for Yakushima is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
September
If you are traveling to Yakushima in September, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
October
If you go to Yakushima in October, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
November
If you go to Yakushima in November, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
December
If you vacation in Yakushima during December, you may notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you're gonna visit Ooko-no-taki waterfalls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Deryneia, Cyprus, Wauseon, Ohio, United States of America, Palani, India, Durango, Colorado, United States of America, Riksgränsen, Sweden, Salem, Ohio, United States of America, Quan Lan, Vietnam, Ely, England, United Kingdom, Mir, Belarus, Sidon, Lebanon, and Feodosiya, Russia.